Early Friday morning, torrential rain fell across Cook County. Multiple crashes were reported on Chicago roads and highways and thousands were left without power across the Chicago area.

Chicago faced a stormy weekend with severe weather threats, including hail and gusty winds, according to forecasts.

O'Hare issued a ground stop due to severe weather Friday morning. More strong storms are expected to hit the Chicago area around 8 p.m. to midnight, the National Weather Service said.

Severe thunderstorm warnings popped off in the greater Chicago area through the evening Thursday, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the Windy City Smokeout.

The opener of a four-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox has been postponed because of rain.

Weather in the area delayed the start of Sunday's game between the Cubs and Cardinals, which was scheduled to begin an hour late, at 6:10 p.m.

Along with the chance for storms, there will be HEAT in the forecast Friday with highs in the low to mid 90s. High temperatures will be in the upper 80s this weekend with the better chance for storms on Saturday.